Sunday, October 01, 2006

Sloe Gin

It appears that the humble G&T is no longer enough. I'm seeing an increasing number of bars in London suggesting one tries Sloe Gin and Tonic.

It doesn't taste too bad and I figured Sloe Gin might make a useful addition to the spirits cupboard.

It was almost not to be. Do Waitrose in Canary Wharf sell it? No. Tesco Metro? No. Oddbins in Cabot Place? No. Where else could I try?

Luckily, the "tenth best place in London", Gerry's, in Soho, came to the rescue. I felt ever-so-slightly embarrassed asking for this drink. I needn't have. My friend Ben, who I went there with, waited until I had paid for mine before asking if they stocked Mead. They did.

I have more sympathy for small retailers that refuse to take cards (and I do wonder if fraud and/or chargebacks are a more significant problem for off-licenses) but I agree it is inexcusable for larger retailers.